Hillbark Hotel & Spa

We were married at Hillbark in late November 2023 and it was the perfect venue for our wedding. This review is a little late because we've only just returned from honeymoon! The hotel was absolutely stunning and the elegant Christmas decorations were perfect and it felt really special to be married in such a beautiful and historic building set in beautiful grounds. Charlotte and Lauren were amazing in providing lots of good advice and support in the planning and run up to our big day to ensure it ran smoothly. They simply went above and beyond what was expected and exceeded our high expectations and we'll always treasure the special memories we have of the day. The food and service was excellent and we were married in the Great Hall which is simply spectacular, especially by candlelight! We were also able to use other rooms and the Contessa Bar, which are equally beautiful, for other parts of the day. Our guests were wowed by the Hotel and we had the most wonderful day and would highly recommend Hillbark to anyone looking for a special place to be married or for any other important occasion.

A real find on the Wirral. An amazing personal experience from a 5 star hotel. The staff had the operations exactly right, from friendly and interested to perfectly professional. Every detail was catered for, from a pot of tea in our room to arranging our transportation to a nearby venue. The whole experience made us feel like we were visiting family. The food was excellent especially the Sunday roast sharing platter. The price reflects the stars but is still excellent value for money. We will definitely be back

All staff were, without exception, excellent. If I name anyone, I’ll leave someone out by mistake, but everyone was much appreciated, including the pianist. As we arrived in the carpark, we were greeted and shown into the hotel and then up to our room which luckily was on a corner so we had views in two directions and plenty of ventilation. It had what appeared to be a new bathroom, and what was certainly a very comfortable large bed. There was plenty of seating, lighting and storage space, and very posh toiletries. We were immediately offered tea and coffee which came with freshly made biscuits. We had our evening meal in the restaurant with more family members. The food and service were excellent. My fish was cooked just as I like it and the others were very pleased with their choices. The menu range was small, which I always think is a good thing in a relatively quiet restaurant. Breakfast the next day was another delight. The continental selection came in large fresh portions. The cooked breakfasts were small but very high quality. I’m sure those who chose it could have asked for seconds if they were still hungry. We were there for a funeral, and hotel staff volunteered to display the photos we’d brought with us and the flowers that arrived. They did a really good job of dressing the rooms. After the funeral itself, we came back for a buffet that was fresh, varied, and replenished so there was always a choice of food right till the end. Any specific dietary needs were all met. One of the vegans was very happy and said she’d discovered some new ideas for her to try at home. The remainder of the stay was all just as good. We were sad to come away. Looking back, I don’t recall seeing any information about where the food and coffee came from, but my overwhelming recollection is of an exceptionally comfortable and warmly hospitable hotel.

My sister took me here for Sunday lunch, as a gift. She had tried to book in at its sister hotel in Port Sunlight but they had no availability until after Xmas so suggested Hillbark as it was the same menu etc. We were met at our car and escorted into the utterly beautiful hotel by a lovely lady who showed us into the stunning dining room - we were the only diners, which is not a good sign. All the staff we met were friendly and welcoming and even the pianist came over and introduced himself and had a chat. I want to make it clear that everyone was so lovely and the hotel is a real cut above but the food was atrocious. I think maybe it was either cooked the night before or even sent over from the port sunlight hotel and warmed up. The potatoes were so hard and dry that I couldn't even cut into them, the Yorkshire pudding was so hard that I was scared to try and cut into it, in case it flew off my plate, the beef was so thick and tough that it was impossible to cut with the blunt dinner knife and the gravy was disgusting - I swear I could taste Oxo in it. It actually made me feel sick. I have never, ever had such an unpleasant meal. We didn't complain because it would have been too embarrassing, given the personal service we received, being the only diners. We were just very British about it and said everything was fine! My sister just paid the bill - I dread to imagine how much it was - and because it was a gift I didn't want to say too much to her about how horrible it was but after we left she said that she hadn't enjoyed it either. Such a shame because it should have been a lovely experience.

This is the best (and I think only!) five start boutique hotel in the North West - and boy; does it deliver. We were lucky enough to get married here and we take any opportunity to return. The excitement builds as you proceed along the sweeping drive through Royden Park then through the gates into the Hillbark grounds and the sight as you round the corner to the building itself is always impressive and never fails to warm the heart. There are 18 individually named rooms, ranging from classic rooms, junior suites, suites and the bridal suite. All have their own character and each seems more charming inviting than the next, with even the classic rooms being impressive. Then there is the food. Oh, the food! Chef Kevin Lynn's 12 course tasting menu is simply divine and if you are staying over (or getting an Uber - other taxi services are available; in fact, the hotel has a small array of classic and luxury cars, if you are feeling fancy), then there's a delightful wine flight to accompany this gastronomic triumph. Set this in the clandestine setting of the cellar restaurant, surrounded by the hotel's fine wines and to the atmosphere invoking tones of Graham on the piano - and it simply "wow". And it doesn't stop there - their afternoon tea is the stuff of local legend. Generous and delicious and just when you think you've had your fill of elegant sandwiches and indulgent cakes - the scones come out. And if I said the rest was generous - this applies even more so to the scones - their big and they are good. Very good. Possibly even too good (at least according to my belt buckle!). But wait - there's more! On Sunday's they do sharing roasts. This is a true feast - more food that you can shake a stick at - and you've guessed it - all of it magnificent. Top that off with a recently refurbished spa (which does an excellent massage - which can be coupled with an afternoon tea) and it's easy to see why this is the best hotel in the North West. But above all this is Amanda and the all front of house staff who work tirelessly to ensure you stay is exceptional and really help give you that lord or lady of the manor feel. We dropped by for a visit recently and it inspired me to write this. As I said, we take any excuse to visit this place - in fact, I think I'll book my next stay now.....

Daniel Charlotte Lauren and Graham did a great job of looking after us and we were greeted as we got out of our car and offered help with our baggage. This level of service continued throughout our stay, including a personal tour of the property which was a great idea. We had the honeymoon suite and it was huge, well appointed, four poster, bath, shower and bidet. Complimentary tea and coffee available 24/7 and no tea or coffee making facilities in the room. The room was clean and once we had the radiators turned up, nice and warm. Breakfast was good and the whole stay was a real pleasure from start to the moment we set off home. Thank you.

What a wonderful time we had at Hillbark Hotel! From the time we arrived until we said our goodbyes we were looked after by such a great , happy team. We were warmly welcomed by reception staff and the manageress, Amanda. After checking into our room, Dan took us on a guided tour of the impressive building which was followed by tea beside a roaring log fire. We had booked a 12 course evening taster menu and what superb culinary delights we sampled, cooked and beautifully presented by Kevin and his team of chefs. Charlotte, our lovely friendly waitress was amazing, waiting on all diners magnificently. My husband had the wine flight which he said paired so well with the food, all chosen by Craig. Throughout the meal, Graham the excellent resident pianist played such lovely music and chatted to all guests. Breakfast was served by two delightful waitresses. We had such a super spread, a wide selection and copious amounts of food served in the gorgeous dining room. I decided after breakfast to try the express facial by Victoria. What an absolute treat, such a relaxing treatment and definitely a must-I felt so refreshed! The 12 course tasting menu, overnight stay and facial was so enjoyable. If you haven't been to Hillbark it definitely should be on your bucket list! Apologies for being unable to remember everyones names but each and everyone of you make a wonderful, friendly, happy team ensuring our stay was a memorable one. Thank you to all at Hillbark.

What an incredible hidden gem. My girlfriend and I were looking for a romantic place to stay and dine for Valentines and came across the Hillbark Hotel. A boutique hotel on the Wirral, we thought, why not so we booked in. Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted swiftly outside (as it was raining) by a member of staff with an umbrella - very classy. Taken to check-in which was done very swiftly. We were shown to our room, which they kindly upgraded us to the honeymoon suite, which, as you can see from my pictures is just amazing and a great size. If you want something special definitely book this room. Once ready, we had a drink downstairs at the bar in front of the open fire, which was very nice and recommended. We were taken downstairs to the restaurant where we were greeted with lovely live music played by the pianist in the perfect setting. We opted for the 12 course taster menu and the wine flight to run alongside which didn’t disappoint in the slightest. We thought the chef really excelled himself here, but our favourite dishes were the ox cheek (superb) and the oysters with an onion and vinaigrette dressing. When the desserts came out, I did think to myself, I physically can’t eat anything else. However, these treats went down a little too easy. And of course, all complete with a delicious, sweet wine offering. Honestly, I couldn’t fault anything. The setting was perfect, the food was perfect, glasses gleaming (I always take note), the pianist was playing the right music, even the breakfast and coffee in the morning were just how I like it. 10/10. We will definitely be staying here again. Thank you for such a memorable experience!

From the moment we arrived till the moment we were left, we were treated like royalty and it was just fabulous. We stayed in the Haddon suite which had a massive four poster bed and sublimely comfortable mattress. Dinner was excellent, as was the wine list. Special mention to Daniel, Charlotte and Lauren who looked after us so well, nothing was too much trouble and everything was done instantly to suit us. Particularly appreciated Graham’s excellent piano playing, a real gentleman too. Excellent location for walking too and they even arranged for the sun to shine too. Thank you, highly recommended.